Tardy palsy of the radial nerve from a Monteggia fracture

Abstract

A case of tardy palsy of the radial nerve, which developed 65 years after a Monteggia fracture that remained unreduced, is described. The weakness recovered sufficiently well for a tendon transference to bu unnecessary, partly because the patient was semi-retired. This condition is rare but comparison with the only two similar reported case of tardy radial and posterior interosseous nerve palsy associated with long-standing dislocation of the superior radio-ulnar joint suggests that the prognosis for recovery of such a palsy following excision of the radial head is better than might be expected.